Around this time in history, the members of the Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) were making final preparations to wage the first revolution in Asia, following the Cry of Balintawak on August 23, 1896. The courage and determination of these Filipino revolutionaries laid the groundwork for the country’s struggle for independence, marking a pivotal moment in our history. As we remember the sacrifices made during this period, it is only fitting that we consider removing some of the last vestiges of colonialism that still linger in our national identity.

Recent actions by Trinidad and Tobago and Fiji to remove colonial symbols from their national emblems have reignited the global conversation on the relevance of such iconography in post-colonial nations. Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to redraw its coat of arms, removing Christopher Columbus’ famous ships, and Fiji’s 2015 move to change its flag, shedding symbols of British colonization, reflect a growing global trend of reclaiming national identity. These decisions are more than symbolic; they are declarations of sovereignty, independence, and a reclamation of history by the nations they represent.

The Philippines, with its rich and diverse history, stands at a crossroads where a similar reckoning with its colonial past is overdue. The symbols embedded in the Philippine government’s crest, most notably the American bald eagle and the Spanish lion, remain stark reminders of centuries of colonial rule. These symbols, deeply embedded in our national emblems, do not reflect the true essence of our nationhood but instead serve as vestiges of foreign domination that should no longer define us.

Colonial Symbolism in the Philippine Coat of Arms

The current Philippine coat of arms, as outlined by Presidential Decree No. 2, signed by President Manuel Roxas in 1946, features a shield with the American bald eagle on one side and the Spanish lion on the other. The bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, symbolizes the country’s influence over the Philippines, which was a U.S. colony from 1898 to 1946. The Spanish lion represents Spain, which ruled the Philippines for more than 300 years. These symbols, while historically significant, are relics of a past that no longer aligns with our national identity.

As pointed out by various scholars and observers, the continued use of these symbols perpetuates a sense of subjugation. The eagle and the lion do not represent the resilience, diversity, and independence of the Filipino people. Instead, they are constant reminders of our colonial past—a past where our identity was shaped and dictated by foreign powers.

A Proposal for Change: Luzviminda

In light of this, it is high time for the Philippines to consider a reimagining of its national symbols, starting with the very name of our country. The name “Philippines” itself is derived from King Philip II of Spain, a monarch who never set foot on our soil yet left an indelible mark on our national identity. To truly break free from our colonial past, we must start with our name.

The name “Maharlika” has been proposed as an alternative, but it is fraught with political associations, particularly with the Marcos dynasty, and is a term that resonates more with the history and culture of Luzon rather than the entire archipelago. A more unifying and representative name for the country could be “Luzviminda,” a portmanteau of the names of the country’s three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Historical Basis of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

The names Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are steeped in historical significance and represent the three major cultural and geographic regions of the Philippines. Luzon, the largest and most populous island, has its name derived from the Tagalog word “lusong,” which means a wooden mortar used in the traditional method of pounding rice. This etymology reflects the agricultural roots of the region and its people.

The Visayas, a group of islands in the central Philippines, is believed to have derived its name from “Bisaya,” referring to the people who inhabit the region. Some historians suggest that the term “Bisaya” could have originated from the word “Srivijaya,” the name of a powerful maritime empire that once ruled parts of Southeast Asia, including the Visayas, highlighting the region’s rich and complex history.

Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, derives its name from the word “Magindanao,” which means “people of the flood plains” in the language of the indigenous Maguindanao people. This name reflects the island’s rich cultural heritage and the diverse communities that have thrived in the region for centuries.

Embracing Luzviminda as a National Identity

Adopting the name Luzviminda for our country would be a significant step toward unifying the diverse cultures and histories of the Philippines under one name that truly represents all Filipinos. It is a name that embodies the spirit of unity, diversity, and independence, free from the shadows of our colonial past. Luzviminda not only honors the distinct identities of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao but also symbolizes the strength of our nation as a collective whole.

Redesigning the Philippine Coat of Arms

In addition to changing the name of our country, we must also consider redesigning our national coat of arms. The current symbols of the American eagle and Spanish lion should be replaced with elements that reflect our indigenous culture and the bravery of our ancestors who fought for our freedom. The new design could incorporate symbols such as the sampaguita, the national flower that represents purity and simplicity, or the sun and stars of our flag, which symbolize liberty, democracy, and sovereignty.

Another option could be to include the “Baybayin,” our ancient script, as a way to honor our pre-colonial heritage. The “Katutubo” or indigenous peoples, who have long been stewards of our land and culture, could also be represented in our national symbols, acknowledging their vital role in our nation’s history.

Conclusion

The movement to remove colonial symbols from the Philippine national identity is not about erasing history, but about reclaiming it. It is about redefining who we are as a nation, free from the constraints of our colonial past. By embracing a new name like Luzviminda and redesigning our coat of arms, we can honor our diverse heritage, celebrate our independence, and proudly assert our identity on the world stage. It is time for the Philippines to shed the remnants of colonialism and fully embrace our identity as a free and sovereign nation.